Seed Selection Considerations

Web AdminOrganic, Seeds, VSCNews magazine

By Tiffany Bailey and Ida Vandamme Choosing vegetable varieties is probably the most important decision a grower can make and can be the difference between a crop failure or success. On our farm, we consider seed selection one of the most powerful and efficient tools as part of the cultural controls in an integrated pest management program. It takes no …

Update: How to Report Unsolicited Seeds

Web AdminFlorida, Seeds, Top Posts

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumers Services (FDACS) has an updated website to help the state’s residents know how to proceed if they receive unsolicited seeds in the mail. Those who do receive seeds, please click here. The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services(FDACS) is warning Floridians about unsolicited packages of seeds received through the mail. The seed packets may …

Alabama Extension Offices Serving as Drop-Off Points for Mystery Seed Packages

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MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Cooperative Extension System is partnering with the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) to assist in collecting unsolicited seed packages being sent to Alabama residents from China. The packages often indicate that they contain jewelry rather than seeds. ADAI field inspectors are currently collecting these seed packages to test their contents for unknown compounds, …

Actuality: One Reason not to Plant Unsolicited Seeds from Unknown Sources

Web AdminAlabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Seeds, South Carolina, Top Posts

United States Department of Agriculture Jacob Barney, invasive plant expert at Virginia Tech University, giving one of several reasons why we should not plant seeds that show up at our door unsolicited from unknown sources. Sponsored ContentTriEst Ag Group: Partners in ProfitabilityApril 1, 2024SECURE FUNDING NOW | USDA-Sponsored Farming Project Underway in the Southern PiedmontFebruary 1, 2024Celebrating 50 Years of …

Technology to Grow Better Cucurbits

Web AdminCucurbits, Florida, Seeds, Top Posts

By Karla Arboleda With a wide variety of options to choose from,  researchers are working with technology in order to grow better cucurbits. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS), marker assisted selection and genomic selection have been used to improve specialty crops like squash, pumpkins and watermelons. Geoffrey Meru, an assistant professor in vegetable breeding at the University of Florida Tropical Research …

Breeding Better Soybeans for the Southeast

Web AdminResearch, Seeds, South Carolina, Top Posts

By Karla Arboleda In the deep Southeast, researchers are breeding better, drought-tolerant and protein-rich soybeans so growers can continue to market high-quality crops. Ben Fallen, a soybean breeder and assistant professor at Clemson University, works to develop varieties of soybeans that will grow with less complications. His program screens breeding lines to find favorable soybean characteristics. “We’re looking at two …

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Enza Zaden Field Day Features Watermelons and More

Web AdminFlorida, Fruit, Produce, Seeds, Tomatoes, Top Posts, Vegetables, Watermelon

Growers and seed distributors had a field day Tuesday at the Enza Zaden seed breeding and field trials facility near Myakka City, Florida. The main attraction was the watermelon trials that include new varieties being tested and introduced into the market. Other trials added great flavor to the day’s tour and discussions, with multiple plots for bell peppers, mature green …

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UF Researchers Develop Model to Help Keep Crop Seeds Healthy

Web AdminFlorida, Industry News Release, Research, Seeds

Working with international researchers, University of Florida scientists have developed a model that will help protect good seeds, which are necessary to plant healthy crops and determine what areas are at higher risk for unhealthy seeds. In many parts of the world, people lack adequate access to nutritious food because there aren’t enough quality seeds for food production, said Karen …

New Website Promotes Plant Breeding Innovation

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According to Andy LaVigne, American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) president and CEO, the association strives to stay on top of plant breeding innovation and relay updates to its members. To help meet this goal, ASTA has partnered with the Biotechnology Innovation Organization to launch Innovature.com. According to the website, it aims to “highlight progress in agriculture, food and wellness. We …